MOM Takes Firm Enforcement Action Against False Declarations in Work Pass Applications
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) takes a serious view of false declarations in work pass applications and will take firm enforcement action against those who flout the law.
Seven Employers and an Administrative Assistant Charged for False Declarations of CPF contributions
2 On 8 October 2026, seven employers and an administrative assistant were charged for falsely declaring that Central Provident Fund (“CPF”) contributions made by their companies were for their local employees, when these locals did not actually work for the companies (i.e. “phantom workers”). The alleged false declarations were made to obtain Work Passes illegally. These are offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (“EFMA”).
3 One of the employers was also charged with allegedly obstructing an employment inspector by directing an individual to sign backdated and falsified employment documents, thereby providing false information about the individual’s employment status.
4 In addition, administrative financial penalties will be imposed on three phantom workers for fraudulently receiving CPF contributions despite not working for these companies. In doing so, they abetted these companies in inflating their foreign worker quota.
5 The details of the charges against the seven employers and administrative assistant are set out in the Annex below.
Two Individuals Charged for False Declarations of Salary
6 In a separate case, MOM charged two individuals for false salary declarations under the EFMA. The two individuals, who operated an Ayurvedic Centre, were found guilty of paying two Employment Pass holders between $800 and $2,300 per month, significantly lower than their declared monthly salaries of $5,100 and $7,350 respectively. They will be sentenced at a later date.
Penalties for Making False Declarations in Work Pass Applications and Obstructing Investigations
7 Under the EFMA, making false declarations in work pass applications carries a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both. Persons who provide their personal particulars to facilitate fraudulent CPF contributions by companies for the purpose of inflating their foreign worker quotas may also be prosecuted and face the same penalties. MOM may also bar entities or individuals convicted of such offences from employing foreign workers. Obstructing investigations carries a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both.
Advisory to Employers, Employment Agencies, and Members of Public
8 MOM reminds all employers and employment agencies that work pass fraud is a serious offence under the EFMA. Unlawful practices include making fraudulent CPF contributions to phantom workers to inflate foreign worker quotas and submitting false declarations of salaries or employment information in work pass applications. MOM has stepped up investigations into suspected cases and will take firm enforcement actions against errant parties.
9 Members of the public should not accept CPF contributions from employers they are not working for, as doing so may constitute abetment of false declaration offences or abetment of the prescribed infringement of inflating a foreign worker quota. Anyone aware of such activities, or who knows of persons or employers who may have contravened the EFMA, is encouraged to report the matter to MOM via the "Report an Infringement" eService. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential.
Annex
Charges against individuals
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Hou Ruisheng, 43-year-old Singaporean Director of Harvest Ecotech Pte Ltd
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One charge under the EFMA for making false declarations in work pass applications, and one charge under the EFMA for allegedly obstructing an employment inspector.
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The offence of making a false declaration carries a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both. MOM will also bar convicted individuals from employing foreign workers. The offence of obstructing an employment inspector carries a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both.
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Cao Yongliu, 52-year-old Chinese Director of Blue Sky Builder Pte Ltd
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One charge under EFMA for making false declarations in work pass applications.
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The offence of making a false declaration carries a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both. MOM will also bar convicted individuals from employing foreign workers.
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Wei Yan, 48-year-old Chinese Director of Anchang Pte Ltd
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One charge under EFMA for making false declarations in work pass applications.
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The offence of making a false declaration carries a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both. MOM will also bar convicted individuals from employing foreign workers.
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Wang Jianheng, 61-year-old Singaporean Director of Advanced Coretrades Pte Ltd
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One charge under EFMA for making false declarations in work pass applications.
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The offence of making a false declaration carries a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both. MOM will also bar convicted individuals from employing foreign workers.
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Lin Jian, 37-year-old Singaporean Sole Proprietor of Wang Da Construction
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One charge under EFMA for making false declarations in work pass applications.
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The offence of making a false declaration carries a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both. MOM will also bar convicted individuals from employing foreign workers.
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Zhao Ying, 45-year-old Chinese Director of Urban Builders Pte Ltd
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One charge under EFMA for making false declarations in work pass applications.
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The offence of making a false declaration carries a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both. MOM will also bar convicted individuals from employing foreign workers.
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Chen Pengfeng, 37-year-old Singaporean Director of He Jian Construction Pte Ltd
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One charge under EFMA for making false declarations in work pass applications.
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The offence of making a false declaration carries a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both. MOM will also bar convicted individuals from employing foreign workers.
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Teo Peck Ling Yvonne, 31-year-old Singaporean Admin Assistant of He Jian
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One charge under EFMA for making false declarations in work pass applications.
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The offence of making a false declaration carries a fine of up to $20,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both. MOM will also bar convicted individuals from employing foreign workers.
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